Questions to ask about Bible study in state high schools

Thursday

Feb 28, 2013 at 12:01 AMFeb 28, 2013 at 12:31 PM

Tim Allen

Republican state Sen. Stan Bingham of Davidson County has introduced a bill in the North Carolina legislature that would allow the Bible (or any other sacred book) to be taught as an elective in our public schools. Twelve other lawmakers, including three Democrats, have signed on in support.

So, good idea or bad? That depends on how certain questions are answered.

The Bible is arguably the most influential book ever written. A well-rounded student needs to be aware of the stories in it because artists, writers, TV shows, songs and even comedians allude to it all the time.

Now the questions. First, what is the intent of the bill’s sponsors? Is it an attempt to put conservative Christianity into the public schools? No. Bingham is open to school systems offering courses on any sacred book if students request it and the system approves it.

What curriculum will be chosen? Who wrote it? Does it represent both sides of an issue? Does it address historical issues? Does it use a comparative approach? Will it look at the Bible critically? What if the curriculum ignores other relevant Bible passages (thus a slant or just plain ignorance of the whole Bible)?

Who in our North Carolina public school system is competent to select the curriculum? Can this person set aside personal religious beliefs and make such a decision?

From there, who will be allowed to teach this class? A local pastor? Who decides which pastor? Will there be a selection process that looks at credentials and teaching experience? Is a school teacher qualified to teach the class? Does the teacher have at least one course in Bible from an accredited school (not a Bible as Literature class), preferably courses in both Old and New Testament. Some background in history would be a plus as well

Can we be assured that a teacher will not insert his or her own beliefs, liberal or conservative, into the class? Will both sides of a thorny issue be discussed? Will the school system allow the discussion of such issues? Who decides the cutoff? What if the cutoffs consistently affect only one side of the spectrum?

Will the curriculum include selected passages or will the students be given a text to use in the class? If the latter, the King James Version is the most literary and beautiful but students need a modern translation study Bible. But, will it be an academic evangelical or academic liberal Bible? Which version? CEV, NIV, NRSV, NKJV…? Who gets to decide which version? Why did they choose this version?

From the student’s perspective the issue gets more complicated. Will they be allowed to bring their own version of the Bible (better for discussions)? If so, will it be allowed into the discussion or will the “approved” text only be used (thus ensuring a particular slant)?

What of particular belief systems? Liberal students differ from their classmates of more conservative persuasions. Does the teacher have the skills to foster such discussions (great teaching moments) or will they be stifled so that the class can stick with the curriculum (thus ensuring a slant again)? Will students allow other students to discuss such matters without suddenly making holy condemnations?

What answers are provided for test questions? Are questions open-ended thus allowing for freedom to interpret or are they the usual “objective” multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank (with the “correct” answer) questions (thus making the student answer only one way, ensuring a slant again)?

Assuming that these questions are answered responsibly, there are the parents. Will they allow their students to take the class? Will they use the class as a time to learn about and discuss the issues of the class? Can they be open-minded enough to handle issues they disagree with without calling the school and complaining?

If these questions (and others) are considered then this can be a great asset to the education of our students.

Tim Allen lives in Liberty. He has taught religion in community colleges and universities since 1993.